Second Trimester

A woman's nine months of pregnancy are divided into three trimesters. The first trimester is between weeks one and 12, the second trimester is between weeks 13 and 27 and the third trimester is from weeks 28 to 42, or until delivery. During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman experiences little weight gain but an entire list of pregnancy symptoms (some pleasant, although most unpleasant). By the time she reaches the second trimester, a lot of these symptoms will subside and she'll begin to gain weight and make monthly visits to her health care provider for prenatal check-ups. Her health care provider will measure the baby's growth and run lab tests. These tests may be to simply check a woman's protein and sugar intake as well as to detect any development of gestational diabetes, which is common during the second trimester. Other lab work may include testing for chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome.

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Fetal development during this trimester is exciting for a number of reasons. Not only will a woman be able to hear her baby's heart on an ultrasound, but by the second week into the trimester, she'll be able to tell the gender of the child. After week 18, the baby will begin to hear followed by swallowing, hair growth and finger and footprints. It's thought that by week 25, babies can respond to noises and voices through movement. During this time, also, the child's nervous system and lungs are developing and will continue to do so through the third trimester when rapid weight gain will occur.

Although a woman's baby bump begins to show during this time, it doesn't mean she's too far along to continue to, or even begin, to work out and stay healthy. In fact, it's even thought that exercising and stretching can help alleviate some of the pain, soreness and fatigue that comes with pregnancy.

Women should also make changes in their diets during this trimester. Daily servings of protein, vegetables, fruits and grains increase with each passing trimester. Seeking advice from one's health care provider or looking at the Mayo Clinic website can offer suggestions for a pregnant woman's evolving dietary needs.

Near the end of the trimester, a woman may want to begin looking for child birth classes at local hospitals or other facilities that deliver babies.